Games

LAST CALL

Meet Kevin La, graphic designer

Sarah Connell Sanders

Special to Worcester Magazine USA TODAY NETWORK

Local graphic designer Kevin La is having a huge year. Shortly after unveiling his designs for the City of Worcester’s “Give Me a Sign” initiative, he was named art director of Pulse Magazine. La is also one of the most kind and generous creatives in the city and he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty. You’ve likely spotted him buffing walls for POW! WOW! Worcester or slinging orders at MamaRoux Food Truck — and you’re sure to see plenty more of him this summer at Polar Park, where he’ll be operating live graphics on the big screen.

Tell me about the street signs you designed for Worcester last fall.

I have family that immigrated to Worcester around April of 2020. It was weird for them to arrive in a different country during quarantine. I wanted to create a sign with mixed languages. A lot of people don’t know that in the United States, we don’t have an official language. I felt like it made sense to have signs representing multiple languages. My other design read, “Thanks for being yourself.” It was self-explanatory during a time when everyone was alone on some level. It’s a challenge to acknowledge a mental health issue that may have surfaced during COVID. I wanted to empower people and remind them that not only is it okay to be different, but we are all different and you’ve got to love yourself. If you don’t love yourself, you can’t love others.

That’s beautiful. What’s your role at Pulse Magazine?

I’m a graphic designer, but I didn’t formally graduate with a major in graphic design; it was only a minor. I was more into marketing. In my Asian culture, I wanted a more business focused degree to please my parents. Regardless, I picked up graphic design in college and I had done photography in high school at the same time I was starting to embrace and love streetwear. It was a big jump, but I’m treating it as an opportunity to learn more and connect with the area. I have a hard time believing it now, but growing up, I couldn’t wait to leave the city. But, the more I

Kevin La JOE JACOBS

contribute to this community, the more I fall in love with Worcester.

Now, you are our number one ambassador.

Growing up in an Asian Catholic bubble, I was less focused on the larger community in Worcester. Now I try my best to bridge both. Not to quote Hannah Montana, but “Mix it all together and you know that it’s the best of both

A design by Kevin La. KEVIN LA

worlds.” Seriously though, watching organizations like the Southeast Asian Coalition grow has been like watching a seed fight its way out of the soil.

Following the hate crimes that escalated during COVID, I’ve been trying to make a conscious effort to patronize Asian owned businesses in Worcester. Do you have any favorites?

You know my hidden gem is Anh Thu on Stafford Street. Back when I was an Assumption student in 2014, I would go in and buy 20 Bánh mìs to hand out to my friends on campus. I also recommend Pho Sure in Shrewsbury, Kyoto in Lincoln Plaza, and Chashu Ramen downtown. Back in the ‘90s, there was a really tight knit group of first-generation restaurant workers who gained experience working at Sakura Tokyo. Once they learned the fundamentals, they were able to branch off and blossom on their own.

What will you be responsible for at Polar Park this season?

The video board. Director of WooSox Productions Joe Jacobs gave me the opportunity. I couldn’t pass it up, even though I’m focused on Pulse. Dr. Charles convinced me I could do both when he said, “You’re pretty lucky, you’re going to get paid to watch baseball games.”

Where can we find your original designs?

I’m @laladesignstudio on Instagram.